A surprised and grim expression appeared on Warren Gildar's face as he felt the aura and heard the voice. After a few seconds of hesitation, he put away his sword.
"We're leaving!"
Warren called out to his sect and quickly flew down towards them, completely ignoring Cade and Waylon. The Crimson Valley Sect quickly returned to their carriages, and left without another word.
Barden quickly returned to the stage and stood in front of John.
"Are you hurt?" Barden couldn't help but be concerned that some of the attack had leaked out towards John and injured him.
"I'm completely fine. Thanks for protecting me," John answered with a large smile on his face. This was the first time he had seen his father fight, and the power he displayed made John awestruck, as well as proud. His father was able to fight against a powerful sect leader, and injure him in the process as well.
"Well that's good. Anyways, you won the tournament. I couldn't be any prouder," Barden responded with pride and started laughing loudly. Although he knew John was strong, he had no idea that John's strength was this monstrous, and was pleasantly surprised at John's performance.
Cade Fenix and Waylon Varis appeared on the stage as well, and asked John about his health as well. After confirming he was safe and sound, Cade patted John on the back in congratulations while Waylon turned to address the crowd.
"I apologize for the sour turn of events that happened at the end, but the tournament has come to an end. The battles were amazing, and this generation of juniors have all brought pride to their clans and sects."
"Now for the results. Due to Dylan's disqualification, second and third place will be awarded to Joy and Dalton. Unfortunately, our fighting arena's have been destroyed, and so we will have to decide tie-breakers at a later time. Now, in first place, and the winner of the tournament, John Fenix."
The crowd exploded in applause at the announcement. John's fight had been absolutely incredible, and all the spectators today knew they would never forget this tournament. Not only that, but they were treated to a battle between Core Formation experts, which was something that hardly ever happened.
"Fuck yeah, go John!" A loud shout from Miko drowned out the rest of the applause before a Varis Clan elder forcibly silenced him. Everyone present started laughing at the scene, and the atmosphere was instantly enlivened compared to the serious atmosphere from before.
The once dismissive Fenix Clan juniors now looked at John with respect and reverence. Only Parker Fenix looked towards John with some kind of animosity, but he quickly hid his emotions and applauded with everyone else.
The Varis Clan hosted a banquet to celebrate the tournament and its fighters, and the four powers celebrated late into the night. During the banquet, John was bequeathed his Golden Marrow Condensation Pill, and he happily accepted it and stored it in his palace realm.
John returned to his seat with Miko and Ryan and chatted regarding the tournament, the final fight, and the pocket realm to come.
"I can't wait to go inside. I hear previous generations obtained some amazing things that completely changed the course of their lives. I hope I can find something amazing like that!" Miko said as he daydreamed about what the realm could possibly hold.
"Hey, you're already a genius. Save the fate changing items for someone like me," Ryan commented with a serious face.
"What are you talking about? That attack of yours was freaking awesome. You're a genius yourself" Miko responded quickly.
The three of them talked for some time before the banquet was silenced by Waylon. Waylon stood up and addressed the crowd once more.
"Thank you all for attending today. Despite its hiccups, this year's tournament was quite a success. The four powers have discussed the pocket realm, and have already agreed on who will enter. Unfortunately, the Crimson Valley Sect will still participate in the pocket realm per the five powers agreement, and this is something we are unable to change."
The crowd listened to Waylon closely as he discussed the pocket realm and various details regarding it.
"Based on the fluctuations of the space around the pocket realm portal, we figure it will open within two weeks. Do your utmost to grab any opportunities inside." Waylon said before sitting down and conversing with the other powers leaders.
The banquet continued late into the night before all the powers started leaving.
"Take care old friend." Waylon smiled as he said partings to Cade.
"You too. We must be careful from here on out. Based on recent events and everything that happened here today, I believe the Crimson Valley Sect will make some moves in the near future. We must be ready." Cade responded with a grim tone.
"I feel the same. I'll consult with the patriarch tonight and see what he thinks about it."
"Your old man sure scared the shit out of Warren today. Warren probably thought he had long since died. I'm sure finding out he's in the Meridian Forging Realm was a wonderful surprise for him." Cade started laughing as he remembered the look on Warrens face as he left.
After conversing for some time regarding the Crimson Valley Sect, Cade bid Waylon farewell and instructed the Fenix Clan to head back to the carriages.
"Good job today. Seeing you kick Dylan's ass was so satisfying. Hopefully we will see more of him and Jason in the pocket realm." Miko spoke out to John as he started to leave.
"Mhm, that was quite satisfying. Take care, and I'll see you in two weeks." John waved goodbye to Miko and Waylon before he started walking back to the carriages. As he started walking back, he managed to spot Ryan talking to Ella, and the conversation appeared to be going quite well.
"Ryan, I hate to interrupt, but we're leaving!" John called out to Ryan as he failed to notice the clan was leaving. Ryan quickly said his goodbyes and rejoined the group, at which point the carriages started leaving the Varis Clan.
John looked out the window of his carriage and watched the Varis Clan fly by as he thought about the events of the long, long day. His mission of winning the tournament had been achieved, and his thoughts now raced regarding the soon to be entered pocket realm.